I had the opportunity to become acquainted with Samuel Pompeo’s work through his doctoral project entitled Choro Hodierno. Since then, it has become evident to me the remarkable articulation between his artistic practice and his research activity, revealing the seriousness, depth, and rigor with which he develops and presents his work. He is a musician with an extensive career, whose maturity and talent stand out uniquely within the contemporary musical landscape.
His most recent album once again represents a valuable addition to today’s musical scene, demonstrating a rare and profound understanding of the different aesthetics he explores. His performance combines exceptional virtuosity in moments of musical reading and interpretation, as well as during improvisation. A clear example of this mastery is his interpretation of the Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra by José Gustavo Julião de Camargo, where his expressiveness and technical command are fully evident.
As a performer, Samuel Pompeo distinguishes himself as a versatile and complete woodwind player. Although he primarily presents himself as a saxophonist, he moves fluently across the entire saxophone family and demonstrates equally solid technical and musical skills on the clarinet and the flute.
The orchestration of his compositions on this album reaches new dimensions of transdisciplinarity and aesthetic crossovers. His contemporary and erudite approach to choro—a musical expression of popular roots—already constitutes an invaluable contribution. By integrating these elements into orchestral structures, his works venture into little-explored sound territories, perfectly aligning with the concepts of Transgressivity and Hybridization that he has developed. Striking examples are the new interpretations of themes by Pixinguinha and Domingos Pecci presented in this work.
Samuel Pompeo has an authentic and unique artistic voice, profoundly attuned to the challenges and opportunities of our time.
Henrique Portovedo
Saxophonist and Professor of the University of Aveiro
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An exciting and bold project by my dear friend, Samuel Pompeo.
The combination of choro and concert music turned out beautifully balanced and dense, yet with a lightness that draws us in, making us listen carefully and discover new sounds with each hearing.
Congratulations, Samuel, on the outstanding work, and congratulations to everyone involved, especially the arrangers!
Wishing you much success!
Vitor Alcântara
Brazilian Saxophonist
